Dry Season – August to September 2014

Normally Kalimantan experiences a musim kamarau or dry season in August and September. In recent years this pattern has varied somewhat. This year, July has been very dry, but rains have started in Palangkaraya on 7 August and river levels are rising as the catchments have had good rainfall.

In order to ensure that all guests on our cruises enjoy the activities as advertised, we have amended the programs to adapt to the river conditions. As you will see below, we will be using more road transfers. This program will automatically revert should the river conditions improve.

Orangutan and Dayak Village Cruise

Dry season route August 2014

Day 1 ARRIVAL PALANGKARAYA – KATIMPUN

Meet at Tjilik Riwut Airport in Palangkaraya and transfer to the Rahai’i Pangun in Palangkaraya harbour to start your journey. Cruise past the stilted and floating houses of the provincial capital and continue along the river, passing villages. Moor near the village of Katimpun.

Transfer by canoes to Katimpun village for cultural experience. Stroll around the village and see the local people make traditional face powder, visit the sand bank to see the fisherman’s nets.

Return to the boat and cruise downstream for dinner in the midst of the jungle.

Day 2 KATIMPUN – SEI GOHONG – ORANGUTAN EDUCATON CENTRE

Enjoy breakfast on board as the boat cruises to Palangkaraya.

Transfer to cars for visit to Marang village and from there transfer to a large motorised canoe to see Bapallas Island orang-utans on this beautiful pre-release island. After this visit the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation Kaja Island to learn about the work of the Foundation and their release program.

Return to the cars for the short trip to the Eco Village in the Rungan Sari forest for lunch. After this we take a short walk or car ride to the village of Sei Gohong, where we watch local livelihood demonstrations. Meet the village medicine lady and see the forest plants used for medicines. Join in with the traditional Dayak dancing. After some tea and local sweets, we board canoes for the trip to Kaja Island to observe orang-utans.

As dusk falls, we board cars for the transfer to Palangkaraya and the boat. Cruise downstream to a quiet location for dinner and overnight.

Day 3 PALANGKARAYA – TUNDAI FISHING VILLAGE

After breakfast, 2 night cruise passengers transfer to airport

Today after breakfast, the boat cruises to Tundai fishing village. Transfer to local canoes for ride along the black water lake to this boardwalk village. Walk through the village and meet the people and learn about how they make fishing traps and watch as a rush basket is made.

As you return to the boat, pass by the monkey island.

Enjoy dinner in a quiet location on the river.

Day 4 TUNDAI FISHING VILLAGE – PALANGKARAYA – SIGI

After breakfast, 3 night cruise passengers transfer to airport

On arrival in Palangkaraya Port, do a walking though the boardwalk village to the handicraft street. Board the boat again for lunch and the cruise to Tanjung Sangalang. Here we transfer to cars for the short trip to the old Sigi village. See the magnificently painted sandungs (bonehouses) and watch as rubber is taken from the trees.

We then move to the village of Bukit Rawi for a stroll stroll through the old town.

Return to the boat for our last dinner on board and an evening of musical entertainment.

The boat cruises to a quiet location.

Day 5 TANJUNG SANGALANG – PALANGKARAYA

After breakfast, 4 night cruise passengers transfer to airport or other tours.

Enjoy your final breakfast on board. The boat will cruise downstream to Palangkaraya and you will be transferred in time for your flights and tours.

TOUR ENDS

Note that port infrastructure is in poor condition and special care should be taken.

Testimonials

EXCITING TRIP TO WOW BORNEO

Last week WOW Borneo (KTD) arranged our trip and accompanied by our wonderful Dayak guide Dodi (and ’trainee’ guide Jonathan) we travelled upto see the long house (*betang*) at a little village called Tumbang Gagu, right up in the headwaters of the Sampit (or Mentaya) River.

KATHY AND JACQUES, SWITZERLAND

We had a wonderful 3 days and 2 nights on the beautiful Rahai’i Pangun. The whole crew looked after us every minute with great food, cool drinks and all the comforts to make our trip memorable. Thanks to Lorna, Sayful, Suryadi, Patirwin, Anto, Ujeng and Ready!

NAKASHIMA FAMILY, JAPAN

This Jungle River Cruise gave us a great present! The river and time pass slowly on the boat. Not only orangutans and jungle but also the people, especially the children of the village moved us so much. I was impressed!

ROBIN, ENGLAND

To all on the Rahai’i Pangun, thank you for introducing me to the wonders of Central Kalimantan over a fantastic few days. Loved the boat, loved the concept, loved the food – and the company was pretty great too!

SUE & WERNER EBERT (AUSTRALIA)

RENEE DUGAN (AMERICA)

Thank you again for taking such great care of all of us during our recent visit to Kalimantan. You and the crew were so professional, kind, generous and fun. Our group really enjoyed getting to know you, eating the delicious food presented to us each day, and relaxing on your boat.

SUE HEWETT (21-24 DECEMBER 2012)

This cruise was everything we’d dreamed and more. The boat is very comfortable, the crew efficient and courteous and the food delicious! The guide couldn’t have been better – fun, passionate, thoughtful, knowledgeable and great company!

J.J WALLIA – SAN FRANSISCO, CALFIORNIA

This tour was one of the best vacation and wildlife experiences I have had (and I have seen pretty much everything in Africa). Despite all it has to offer, Kalimantan is a tough place to vacation in so I was not expecting much. However, I was blown away by this trip.